THE SKINNY: The Brian Lake deal at least leaves the Dogs in a position of power at the draft table — armed with five picks in the top 51, including three first-rounders. The agreement, which sent Brian Lake and pick 28 to Hawthorn in return for selections 22 and 44, seemed generous to the Hawks. But had Lake played out the final year of his contract next season and then tested the free-agency market, the Dogs might have lost him for minimal compensation. Brendan McCartney's focus has been on winning the contested ball, and he hopes former Eagle Koby Stevens, secured with pick 44, helps in this regard. The Dogs also sought a key forward. They offered Essendon's Scott Gumbleton a two-year contract and also pursued Chris Dawes but were unsuccessful. Father-son Lachie Hunter was secured with a third-round selection and gave up a fourth-round pick to get young Pies defender Tom Young in a late deal.

VERDICT: Lake's departure leaves a hole in the defence but had he stayed he would have played forward next year, anyway. Club officials hope their major presence in the draft will build the base for long-term success.

Footscray's first two national draft selections Jackson Macrae and Jake Stringer. Photo: John French

6. JACKSON MACRAE

(Oakleigh Chargers, 18, 188cm, 75kg)

Midfielder who has also played at both ends of the ground. Courageous in the air and has a lovely, long left-foot kick.

21. NATHAN HROVAT

(Northern Knights, 18, 175cm, 79kg)

Hard-working midfielder who is a gun at stoppages, where he could become a team leader. Always reliable in the clinches.

49. LACHIE HUNTER

(Western Jets, 17, 181cm, 78kg)

Midfielder who is smart around the goals, with a damaging left foot. Joins the Bulldogs under the father-son rule, as his dad, Mark, played 130 games for the club.

50. JOSH PRUDDEN

(Murray Bushrangers, 18, 182cm, 76kg)

Inside midfielder considered by the Dogs to be a gem in the stoppages.

84. Pass

98. TOM CAMPBELL

(Western Bulldogs, 21, 201cm, 98kg)

Ruckman who can play in attack. Played seven games in 2012 to earn himself a promotion to the primary list.

105. JASON JOHANNISEN

(Western Bulldogs, 20, 176cm, 68kg)

South African-born midfielder is elevated off the rookie list.

PRE-SEASON/ROOKIE DRAFTS

Brett Goodes (No.4, rookie)

The Bulldogs had the choice of two well-credentialled players in Goodes and Brent Prismall but the only spot went Goodes' way. His brother is a superstar, but Goodes has already enjoyed a good career in his own right, having starred in the VFL and in South Australian and Darwin leagues. Is already entrenched at Whitten Oval in his role as player wellbeing manager.